an M.O.S. publication nil. u,--.......,.- ,H).O \Tnllo.tto 1\lft'l.T.'Tlll.

{''I OF THE MALTA ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

IL-MERILL ------------------------------------------------------------------------

25c

July- December 1975 No. 16

MOS RINGIN{i GRO"IJP RE,PORT 1974

'IL~MERILL' is a Malta Ornithological Society publi:ation. The Editor welcomes articles, and other features treating aspects of the Ornithology concerning the Maltese Islands and the Mediterranean.

All the opinions expressed are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of the M.O.S.

Copyright: All rights are reserved by the Malta Ornithological so~iety.

Information concerning the M.O.S. may be obtained from the Han. Secretary - M.O.S. -P.O. BOX 498, VAliLETTA, MALTA.

Patron: The •President of the Republic of Malta.

Honorary President: ML J.M. Attard.

Executive Committee for 197•6/77 President: J. Sultana Han. Secretary: A.E. Baldacchino Asst. Secretary: J. Azzopardi Treasurer: B.K. German P.R.O.: T. Meli Ringing Group Secretary: C.

Gauci Young A1embers Section Officer:

M. Grima Editor "ll-Merill": D. Cutajar Executive Committee Members:

V. Cilia; V. Sammut Chairman Gozo Committee: V.

Grech <Mrs)

IL- MERILL No. 16

CONTENTS

page MOS Ringing Group .Report for 1974 1

Systematic List for 1•974 . .. 2

Epecies .Ringed and Totals 16

Rin:ging Recoveries 18

Addenda 26

Errata 27

Notahile unpublished occurrenees previous to 1971 .. . ... 27

The 19'74 Occurrence of the Tristram's Warbler 29

Cover: Picture: Cory's Shcarwatn in its burrow.

Photo by ] . Sultana

IL-MERILL No. 16 JULYDDECEMBER, 1975

MOS R.INGING GROUP REPORT FOR 1974 by CHARLES GAUGI & JOE SULTANA

During 1974 the Group was initially composed of seven ringers: S. Borg, C. Ganci. T. Gauci, B.K. German, J. Grech, J. Sultana and V. V2lla Muscat V. Cilia obtained his permit in 1August, while three active trainees - J. !\zzo.pardi, M.V. Ganci and C.A. Pom.2roy cDmpleted their training late in che year and rec:eived their permits in December bringing the tota; number of ringers to el2ven. The total number D.f birds ringed in 1974 amounted ta 3,131 of B5 species, the highest total in ttte Group's nine years of existence. The three common hirundines - Sand Martin, swallow and House Martin -~·Jere amongst the most ringed birds, their total -comprising almost one-third rJf the total ringed. The best catching area for these species was Lunzjata Valley in Gozo. Six new species were added to the ringing list- Lapwing. Mediterranean Gull, Wood Lark, Ruppell's Warbler, Siskin and Scarlet nosefinch. Pulli ringed included the first Spotted Flycatchers ( c:utch of three) and Short-toed Larks UH). Again since 1971, hardly any waders were ringed owing to much disturbance at Ghadira. At eleven, the number of birds recovered abroad was one less than the previous year's totaL Since the Group rings mainly small passerines it is unlikely that this number will show J ny significant increase in the near futu.r3. Most recoveries are nonetheless -rery interesting. 2 Swallows were controlled at roosts in England and. another was found in Algeria (directly \vest) after about three weeks. A House Martin in the Nether:ands, a Song Thrush in Greece and a Dunnock in Yugoslavia v:ere all :firsts. The Group controlled two foreign-ringed birds- a Sand 1\1artin from Ireland and a Blackcap from Italy. Most interesting among foreign ring·ed birds recovered by locals was a Herring Gull from Denmark; iL is very unusual for Danish Herring· Gulls to move so far south. Five Casp­ian terns from Scandinavia were also noteworthy.

The number of recor.ds in 1974 continued to increase and as a result coverage was more extensive. The Group keeps a daily and species log and there were very few days, mainly in mid--winter and mid-summer, with no entries. The systematic list is compiled from these logs. Records were sub­mitted by the following· contributors: .Jn. Azzopardi, Js. Azzopardi, M. Beaman, J. Best, N. Bonavia, S. Borg, J. Buttigieg, R. Cachia Zammit, V. C:ilia, E. Curmi, G.P. Davies, L. Ellul Mercer, G. Faure, C. Fenech, F. Fenech, H. Frendo, C. Galea Bonavia, C. Gauci, M.V. Gauci, T. Gauci, B.K. German, J. Grech, M. Grima, J. Magro, T. Meli, P. Micall':'f, J. Muskat, C.A. Pomeroy ,J. Pulis, D. Ristow, F'. Smith, J. Sultana, R. Testa, M. Thake, C. Theuma, W. and ·u. Thiede, A. Vassallo, F. Vassallo, R. V·ella, V. Ve;la Muskat, G. Zammit Maempel and the R.A.F. Luqa Orn. Soc.

Once again we wish to express our sincere thanks to the Ringing and Migration Section of the British Trust for Ornithology for supplying us with rings and for handling our recoveries. The Senior Research Officer, Robert Spencer, continues to help the Group with his tremendous support. \Ve wish also to express our thanks to the Malta Bird Reserves Overseas Committee, The Friends of Ma!ta, Blue Bell Malta Ltd., Mid-Med Bank (Malta), and Simonds-Farsons-Cisk ·Ltd, for their contributions towards some of the Ringing Group Expenses.

(The systematic List's sequence follows Ci1aries Vaurie - The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna 1959 and 1965).

SYSTEMJA.T!C LIST FOR 1974

Little Grebe (Podiceps ruficollis) : Singles at Salina on 24 & 27 Nov. Black-Necked Grebe ([F'odiceps nigricollis) : 1 on 27 Jan., 1 on 31 Aug., then 1-3 on 4 days from 6 Oct. to 1 Dec. 1 stayed at Msida from 27 Nov. to 11 Dec. Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) : First offshore on 16 Mar. Max. f'Ounts lODO+ off Ramla on 23rd and off Qbajjar on 29 Ju'. Last seen on :2 Sep. Manx Shearwater (Puffinus pufi'inus) : Bred at usual colonies. 5 off Qawra on 31 Dec. (first winter record). Storm petrel (Hydro bates pelagicus) : Breeding in usual numbers on Filfla. Already incubating on 18 May. Leach's Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa) : 1 shot oft Filfla on 14 July. Gannet (Sula bassana) : 1 on 2'2 Jan. and 5 onl6 Feb. 1 on 31 Oct., 3 on 30 Nov., 1 on 1 Dec. and 8 off Comino on 31 Dec. Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) : Recorded on 7 days from 21 Oct. to 3 Nov., max. 4 over Rabat on 29 Oct. 1 on 1 Dec. Bittern (IBotaurus stellaris) : 1 over Rabat on 15 Mar. and 1 shot at Salina in the 2nd week of June. Uttle Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus); Only 5 records in spring- on 29 & 30 Mar., 17 & 24 Apr. and 2. May (singles except for 3 on 24 Apr.). In autumn l-3 on 8 days from 23 Aug. to 6 Oct., most records being from 'Huskett/ Girgenti. Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) : Spring .passage 11 Mar. -19 May; ,·ecorded on 13 wide:y scattered dates. Max. flocks 50 en 20 Apr. and 23 on 24 Mar. Autumn passage, 24 Aug. -15 Oct., much heavier. Recorded on 23 days with double figures on 4 (highest 52 in 2 flocks) and 29 .SeP. 'Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) : 1-'7 on 9 days from 2·6 Mar. to 3 May, 'TIOst in late April. No autumn records. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) : Flock of 15+ over Sliema on 31 Aug. Little Egret (Agretta garzetta) : Sing:e.s on 8, 13 & 14 Mar.; then on 3 days from 8 to 29 Apr., max. 26 on 20th. 4 on 18th and 2 on 19 May. In autumn 1 0n 25th and 16 on 31 Aug.; 8 on 28th, 26 on 29th and 1 on 30 Sep; and 1 on

26 Oct .. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) ; Spring passage 27 Feb. -18 May; recorded on 15 days, single figures except for 14 and 3 'flocks' on 21 Apr. 1 on 7 July.

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From 14 Aug. to 2 Nov. in autumn, most in mid-Sep. and the latter half of Oct.; recorded on 22 days in single or low double figures, max. 39 (2 flocks) on 15 Oct. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) : From EJ Mar. to 25 Apr.; on 16 days with no clear peaks - max. flock 24 on 13 Mar. On 11 scattered dates in autumn -~ 26 Aug. to 2:0 Oct.; max. 41 on 29 Sep. ~poonbill (Platalea leucorodia) : 1 at Benghisa on 2'7 Sep. and 1 shot at Bahar-ic-caghaq in mid-Oct. Glossy Ibis ( Plegadis falcinellus) : There were 24 records on 11 days in ;:pring from 11 Mar. to 3 May. Most were of singles or twos, but a total of 55+ was recorded on 21 Apr. and a flock of 20 on 29 Mar. 5 on 2: Aug. and 1 on 30 :Sep. White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) : Singles at Chadwick Lakes and L.uqa on 25 0ep. 2 over Rabat on 31 Oct. Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) : 2 ovsr Buskett on 11th and 1 over Ghadira on 12 Oct. Grey Lag Goose (Anser anser) : Flock of 30+ over Ghadira on 3.0 Nov. White-frO·n:ted GoO<se (Anser albifrons) : 1 1mm. shot at Benghisa on 30 Mar. Grey Geese (Anser sp.) : Flocks of 15 over St. Paul's Bay on 9 Oct. and of 20+ off St. Julian's on 2 Nov. Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) : Singles on :: . .'9 Nov., 1st and 14 Dec. 'Few' off Qawra on 30 Nov. lVl.aUard (Anas platyrhynchos) : Singles on 11th and 3•0 Mar. 11 on 7th and 1 on 24 Nov. 'Passage' reported on 30 Nov. Teal (Anas crec·ca) : 2 on 10 Feb., 4(} off Qawra on 7th, 1 on 15th and 'pas­sage' on 30 Nov. 1 on 15 Dec. Wigeon (Anas penelope) : 3 on 2 Mar. Passages on 1-3 Nov and 29 Nov. ~1 Dec. with large flocks (hundreds) passing off Qawra; then 1 on 7th and 2 on ~4 Dec. Pintail (Anas acuta) : On 12 days in spring from 1:0 Feb. to 15 Apr., with Elost in Mar.; max. 27 on 3rd and 12 on 10 Mar., otherwise 1-6. In autumn 1-2 on 31 Aug. and 8-10. Oct., then on 15 days frvm 28 Oct. to 31 Dec. Flocks of SO+ were rewrded on 28 Oct., 29-30 Nov. 1-10 on other days. <>arganey (Arras querquedula) : Main spring passage 23 Feb. to 11 Apr. with 32 records on 20, days; max. 40 on 10 Mar. and 20 + on 2<6 Feb. Then 2 flocks on 21 Apr. and singles on 16 May and 2 June. Autumn passage much smaller '.vith 1-2 on 9 days from 14 Aug. to 8 Nov. Shoveler (/\nas clypeata : Singles on 9 Mar., 3rd, 8th and 2,9 Nov. 'Few• off Bahar-ic-caghaq on 30 Nov. l'uchard (Aythya ferina) : Singles on 4 Oct., 3rd and 7 Nov. 'Few' reported passing off Bahar-ic-caghaq on 1st and 3·0 Nov. Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) : Singles at Salina on 5 Oct. and 8 Nov. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) : Singles at Ta' Qali on 28 Nov. and at Salina on 7 Dec, Red-Breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) : Singles on 11 Apr., 29 Oct. and 10 Nov.

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Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) : In spring recorded on 4 days in Apr. 1 on 9th, Z on17 th, 2 singles on 20th and 1 on 21st. 14 records ( 1-2 birds) on 8 days ]n autumn : 4 Sep.- 14 Oct., all but 2 in mid-late Sep, Best day was 2'2 Sep" with singles in 5 different localities. Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) : 3 on 1 Apr., then on most days frcm. 21 Apr. to 15 May; mainly single figures but 22 on 4 May. Singles on 19tl:t and 27th and 2 on 31 May. Autumn passage 30 Aug. to 26 Oct. with records ii.lmost daily, but highest figures recorded in mid-late Sep. Highest totals 1ecorded on 19 Sep. ( 380 +), 23 Sep, (263+ ) and 4 Oct. (73+). Red Kite (Milvus milvus) : Singles at Wardija on 3 Sep, and at Buskett on 19 and 30 Sep. and 4 Oct. Blael!: Kite (Milvus migrans) : Early bird on 18 Feb., then 7 records- all singles- from 14 Mar. to 23 Apr. In autumn 1 on 8 Aug. and 1-4 on 6 dflys from 19 Sep. to 31 Oct., most over Buskett. Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) : Single on 6th and 30 Apr. Only 1 autumn record : single on 8 Nov. Buzzard (!Buteo buteo) : Singles on 15 and 28 Sep, 11 Oct. and 1 Nov. Also 1 shot in Sep. Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) : 1 over Rabat on 4 Oct. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) : 1 ad. over Rabat on 4 Oct. 2 'Vere shot in September. Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus): 2 on 19 Sep and singles on 28 Sep. and 5 Oct. over Buskett. 2 over Rabat on 18th and 1 at Qormi on 19 Oct. Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) : Singles ori 17th, 19th and 28 Mar. and 5 May. In autumn 1 on 19th and 2 on 28th Sep. over Buskett. Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) : 10 records of single birds on 9 days from 20 Feb. to 20 Apr., most in mid-late Mar. None in autumn. Nlontagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) : 1-3 on 8 days from 6 Apr. to 8 May. No autumn records. :'llarsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) : Recorded on 30 days in spring- 2<! Feb to 9 May- with a peak during the 3rd week of March. No significant passages with only a max. of 5 recorded on any day. Most autumn records irom Buskett : 10 days from 18 Sep. to 29 Oct., max. 12 on 19 Sep., otherwise 1-4 'Harriers' (Circus sp.) : 17 records on 14 days from 7 Mar. to 5 May. 12 on 6 Apr., otherwise 1-6. Most were 'ringtails' most probably Pallid/Montagu's. 1 ringtail on 28 .Sep. Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) : Usual pair resident at Ta' Cenc. Other re­eords were singles at Lunzjata on 24 Jan.; at Gnejna on 21 stand at Mellieha 1 ad. F. shot) on 22 Apr.; at Filfia on 18th and at Ding!i Cliffs (ad M. shot) on 26 May; at Selmun on 10 Jul.; at Hal Far on 19th and at Delimara (shot) on 31 Oct; and at Anchor Bay and at Mtahleb on 3 Nov. Hobby (Falco sub buteo) : Spring passage 14 APr. to 13 May: single figures on 13 days, highest 11 on 20 Apr. Singles on 18 and 31 Aug., then on most days from 10 Sep. to 29 Oct. with main passage from mid-Sep. to mid-Oct. Double figures on 6 days, highest 31 on 28 Sep. :r.Ieonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) : In spring singles on 7 days from 21

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Apr. to 3 Jun. 7 records of single birds also in autumn, 27 Aug. to :..'6 Oct. il'lerlin (Falco columbarius) ; Single imm. females on 25 Oct. & 8 Dec. Ited-Footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) 1-2 on 8 days from 21 Apr. to 15 May. In autumn early bird on 13 August, then 1 on 11th, 2' singles on 19th and another on 27 Oct.

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) : 1 on 1 Feb., the on 10 days from 30 Mar. co 2,6 May with a max. of 13 on W Apr. Ivl.uch more frequent in autumn but only low numbers recorded : on 20 days from 10 Sep. to 28 Oct., m<J.x. 8 on 22 Sep.

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) : 7 records of singles in Jan-Feb. Spring passage 1rom 6 Mar. to 12 Jun .. recorded almost daily 'between 16 Mar. and 16 May. Mainly single figures, highest 16 on 15 May. Singles on 15 Jul., 11 Aug, and 1 Sep. In autumn again on most days from 11 Sep. to 13 Nov., but in much larger numbers than in spring. Max. 46 on 12 Oct. Recorded on 12 days during rest of Nov. and in Dec. Quail (Coturnix coturnix) : Spring passage 23 Mar. to 3 May; only 9 1ecords of 1-6. The only autumn records were of singles on 25 and 28 Sep., :md on 24 and ::15 Nov.

Crane (Grus grus) : 1 on 16 Apr., 2 on 31 Aug., 1 on 200ct., 46 (3 flo~ks) on 3 Nov., 1 on 21l'l'ov. and 3 on 14 Dec. Also 2 shot at Ta' Qali in mid-Nov. Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) 1-2 present at Lunzjata in Jan-Mar. to 11th. Early singles on 31 Aug. and 1~: Sep., then from 19 Oct. onwards with up to 4 at Lunzjata, Girgenti and Wied il-Luq.

Spotted Crall:e (Porzana porzana) : Very few records : singles on 3rd and 11 Mar., 1 May and 4 Sep. 2 on 8 Oct. Most at Salina. Little Crake (Porzana parva) : 1 at Salina on 24 Oct. Cornerake (Crex crex) : 1 on 25 Apr. and 2 on 16 Sep.

Moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus) : Only a few in spring - singles on 8 days from 20 Mar. to 17 May. 1 at Lunzjata from 1'5th to 24 Jul. and 1 at Girgenti on 14 Aug., then regular from 11 Sep. to 2:3 Nov.; recorded on 24 days, max. 5 at Girgenti on 12 Oct. 1 there on 7 Dec. Coot (Fulica atra) : Singles on 7 days from 8th to 2'7 Nov. All records from Salina.

Oystercateher (Haematopus ostralegus) Flock of 13 at Marsascala on 6 8ep., 1 at Qawra Pt. on 12 Oct. and singles at Salina on 14th and 18 Nov. Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) : 1 on 12 Mar., then on most days from 8 Apr. to 9 May, mostly at Ghadira, max. 10 at Hal Far on 12 Apr, In autumn -;Ingles on 30 Jul. and 10 Aug., then on 9 days from 25 Sep. to 27 Oct. 4 at Luqa on 27 Nov.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) : Almost daily from 10 Mar. to 1 l\,1ay, then singles on 19th and 29 May. Low double figures with a max. of 20 un 2 days. Autumn passage from 16 Jul. to 3 Nov.; recorded on 23 days with a peak in Oct., max. 15 at Luqa on 6th. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) ; 1 at Hal Far on 18 Apr. and 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 9 May. Singles at. Ghadira on 12th and 20th Oct. and 17 Nov. Dotterel (Eudromias morinellus) : Only 1 spring- record -single on 23 Mar.

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On 15 days in autumn, 7 Sep. to 10 Nov.; max. 3D+ on 9 N;ov., otherwise single figures. Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) : Floek of up to 55 at Hal Far in Jan. and !ill mid-Mar.; 9 other records outside Hal Far with a max. of 23 at Luqa on 15 Mar. Last 4 on 30 Mar. 13 on 27 Oct. and 8 on 3 Nov., then 1-5 on 4 days :st-8 Dec. Lesser Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominka) : 1 in breeding plumage shot near Delimara on 18 Jul. Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) : singles on 3rcl, 7th. 19th, 20th and 23 May; and on 22nd and 24 Aug. Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) : 10 records in Jan-Mar to 26th, max. 14 at Luqa on 14 Jan. 1-3·0 recorded on most days from 3rd to 12 Nov., then not c,een till 30 Nov. On 7 days in D.ec. with max. of ']6 on 1st and 40 on 2nd. Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) : 1 on Hth, 7 on 18th and 4 on 2'0 May, all records from southern coast. 1 on 9 Aug. Little Stint (Calidris minuta) : 6 on 21 Mar., then on most days from 3 Apr., to 19 May, max. 24 at Ghadira on 25 Apr. 1 on 9 •June. In autumn on most clays from 22 Jul.-to 3 Sep., max. 30 at Salina on ::>:i Aug. Then up to 4 at Ghadira on 7-21 Oct . .Singles on 12th and 25 Nov. and 26 Dec. Temmincli's Stint (Calidris temminckii) · 1 on 20 Apr. and 2 on 1 May at Ghadira. 1 at Lunzjata on 20 .Sep. Dunlin (Calidris alpina) : 10 on 20th and 1 on 25 Apr. were the only spring records. Autumn passage 2·6 Jul. to 8 Nov., recorded on 21 days with a peak in Oct.; single figures, max. 4 on several clays. Curlew Sandpiper (Galiclris ferruginea) : 1-4 on Sl days from 21 Apr. to 210 May. Singles at Salina on 2nd and 3 Aug. and 3 Sep. l-\:not (Calidris canutus) : 1 in summer plumage near Delimara on !!3 Aug Sanderling (Galidris alba) : 7 records on 5 days Irom 3rd to 14 May. Max. 5 on 9th. Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) : 1 on 21 F'eb., then from 2 Mar. to 28 May; almost daily in Mar-Apr with double figures at Lnqa and Hal Far on several aays, max. 65 on 19 Mar. Autumn passag:e much smaller - 1-7 on 9 days from 16 Sep. to 17 Oct. Broad-Billed ,Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) : 1 at M'scala on 8 Aug. Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) : Singles on 11 Apr., 4 May, 8th and 21 Jul., 16th and 31 Aug. Redshank (Tringa totanus) : As usual, time of passage irregular - 6 records of singles on 4 days llth-21 A1pr., 1-2 on 3 days 18th-2'5 Jul., 1-3 on 4 days J5th-25 Aug., 1-2 on 5 days 27 Oct.-17 Nov. l\Iarsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) : Singles at Ghadira on 3rd, 4th and Z·O Apr., and at Salina on 18 Aug. G.reenshank (Tringa nebularia) : 1-3 on 5 days from lOth to 27 Apr. In autumn 1-2' on 3 days from 15th to 29 J"ul., and on 5 days from 1 Sep. to

7 Oct. Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) : Spring passage smaller than usual recorded on 8 scattered dates from 10 Mar. to 25 /l.pr., max. 10 at Ghadira on 29 Mar. From 17 Jul. to 12 Oct. in autumn; recorded on 11 days. Flocks of

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30-j- on 30 Jul. and 28 ,Aug., otherwise 1-2. Wood .Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) : Only a few in spring : 1-6 on 7 days irom 10 Apr. to 19 May. In autumn 1-4 on 11 days from 17 Jul. to 24 Sep., most in mid-Jul. to mid-Aug. Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos) : Recorded only in Apr. in spring w:lth up to 10 on most days from 3rd to 29th. Almost daily from 30 Jun. to 12: Sep., max. 20+ on 2 days. 1-2 on 3 days 12th-26th Oct. Bllack-tailed Godwit (Limosa Jimosa) : spring passage 21 Feb. to 31 Mar. 19 reeords on 16- days, max. 8 at Salina on 1 Mar. 1 on 25 Apr. None in autumn. Curlew (Numenius arquata) : 1 at M'scala on 7 Oct. 2 shot at Ta' Qali in ~ov. and 4 at Salina on 24 Nov. Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) : 2 at M'xlokk on 9 Mar. and singles at Benghisa Pt. on 7th and at Delimara on 9 Jul. Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) : Singles on 5 Jan. and 23 Feb. Only a few recorded in autumn, 216 Oct. to 1 Dec. - 1-2 on 10 days. Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) : No records in winter. Spring passage 2,8 Feb.-25 Apr., 10 records mainly in Mar. with a max. of 7 at Lunzjata on 11th. 2 :;ingles on 18 Sep. then singles on 9 days from 11 Oct. to 2 Nov. and on 30 Dec. Great Snipe (Gallinago media) : Singles on 25 Apr. and 19 May. Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus) : 1 on 22 Feb. 2 on 15th and singles on l8th and 27 Nov. and 31 Dec. mack-Winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) : 1-4 on 9 days from 10 Mar. to 1 May. Singles on 29 May, 310 Jun. and 1 Jul. 6 on 30th and 2 on 31 Jul. •\vocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) : .Singles at Wardija on 5th and at .Salina on 30 Sep., and at Zonqor Pt. on 19 Oct. Flock of 10 at M'scala on 20 Oct. Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) : In spring 1-3 recorded on 16 days 1rom 6 Mar. to 29 Apr., With most records in Apr. In autumn 3 on 15th, 5 on 25th and 1 on 26 Oct. and 1 on 3 Nov. Cream-Coloqred Courser (Cursorius cursor) : 1 at Qrendi on 18 Feb. Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) : Singles at Zonqor Pt. on 21 Apr. and at Hal Far on 29 May. G.reat Skua (Stercorarius skua) : 1 offshore on 2 Apr. .Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus) : 1 off Munxar Pt. on 10 Jul. and singles offshore on 9th, 19th and 21 Aug. Mediterranean Gull (Larus melariocephalus) : Up to 20 in Jan-Mar. to 16th. No records in Nov. and Dec. Little Gull (Larus minutus) : Singles on 6th, 12th, 15th and 18 Jan. 3 on 16 Yeb. and 4 on 30 Mar. Singles on 28 Nov. and 1-5 Dec. Bllack-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) : Treble figures, max. 400, in Jan. to mid-Mar. Last seen on 28 Mar. 1 on 5 Nov., then from 30 Nov., reaching a max. of 80 on 31 Dec. f;Iender-Billed Gull (Larus genei) : Singles at M'Xlokk on 15 Aug., at tas­Safra on 7 Oct. and at M'Xlokk on 22 Oct. J,esser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) : Singles on 30 May and 15 Dec. 8-nd 2 north of Camino on 28th and off Qawra on 31 Dec.

']

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) : Breeding colony on Filfla apparently on the increase - 140+ adults were counted there on 18 May. No large con­centrations in winter in Grand Harbour - only double figures. Common Gull (Larus canus) . 1 near Delimara on 19 .Tan. mack Tern (Chlidonias niger) : Singles on 2 May, 14 Jul., 3rd and 7 Aug. White-Winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) : 1 at B'bugia on 5 May. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne tschegrava) : 2 singles on 9th, 5 on 13th and 1 c•n 20· Oct. Singles on 5th and 8 Nov. Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) : Singles on 14 May and 27 Sep. Then 7 records on 5 days from 8th to 22 Nov., max. '] at Tas-Safra on Sth. Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) : 1 at Marfa on 27 Apr. and 1 at Zonqor Pt. (M'Scala) on 25 Sep. Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) : 1 on 22 Jan. Only 4 records in autumn .. 1 on 26 Oct., 2 Singles on 3rd and 1 on 21 Nov. Stock Dove (Columba oenas) : 1 shot on 26 Oct. Rock Dove (Columba Iivia) : Present in usual numbers. Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) : 1 on 29 Mar., then from 7 Apr. to 6 Jun. Daily in i\pr. arid till mid-May. Best days were 24th: 3100+, and 25th: 1700+ otherwise double or generally low treble figures. Singles on 21 Jun., 27 Jul. &nd 18 .Aug. Autumn passage 23 Aug. to 25 Oct., but mainly in Sep. when Tecorded daily; double or very low treble figures except on 16 Sep. when rtrong passage was recorded : 1>685+ Palm Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) : 1 shot on 17th Oct. Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) : Spring passage 22 Mar.-29 May, mainly in Apr. when recorded on most days. Only single figures. Only a few in autumn 1-2 on 10 scattered days from 19 Jul. to 15 Oct. Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) : 1 at Delimara on 16 Apr. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) : Singles on 2·0 Oct. and 7 Nov. 2 others seen shot in autumn. ~hort-eared Owl (Asio fiammeus) : 1-2 on 5 days from 19 Mar. to 18 Apr. In autumn recorded on 18 days from 28 Sep. to 16 Nov., alw-.ys 1-2. Scops Owl ( Otus scops) : Only a few in spring - single figures on 8 days J'Tom 29 Mar. to 25 Apr. In autumn recorded on several days from 19 Sep. to 23 Nov., often in low double figures. Heavy passage on 10 Oct. with 200-l­recorded at Tas-Sa1ib. 1 on 24 Dec. Harn Owl (Tyto alba) : A pair bred at Fort Chambray from where 2 fledged young were stolen in late Apr. Singles were shot at Mosta and Mellieha in Apr. 1 at Buskett on 16 Oct. Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) : .Spring passage 23 Mar. to 9 May, with a peak on 20-28 Apr., max. 33+ on 21st. From 13 Sep .to 25 Oct. in autumn; single figures, occasionally up to 12, on most days. Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimu'gus ruficollis) : 1 shot at M~llieha in early Apr. I'aHid Swift (Apus pallidus) : 1 at Mellieha on 6 Apr. :-;,"ift (Apus apus) : Recorded from 20 Mar. to 18 Oct., almost daily in Apr.­Sep. Peaks in mid-Apr. to mid-June and late July to early Sep. Treble

8

figures, max. 50·0, in peak periods. Late singles on 3rd and 5 Nov. Alpine Swift (Apus melba) : 1-'5 on 11 days from ll,Apr. to 1 .Tune. Singles on 27 Jun., 16th and 24 Jul. In autumn on 9 days from 30 Sep. to 11 Nov., mainly singles but 11 on 3 Oct. ftoller (Coracias garrulus) : Spring passage from 13 Apr. to 12 May; single figures, almost daily in Apr. 2 on 21st and 4 on 22 Sep. 2 others were shot

in September. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) : Passage from 7 Jul. to 23 Oct., mainly mid-late 0ep. when recorded daily. Always seen singly. nee-eater (Merops apiaster) : Spring passage from 9 Apr. to 7 .Jun.; recorded 0n 18 days. Single figures except for 11 on last date. In autumn 40-l- on 14th and 1 on 28 Sep. at Lunzjata. IIoopoe (Upupa epops) : Early birds on 3rd and 19 Feb., then from 14 Mar . to 26 Apr., single figures almost daily. 1-4, on 5 days from 2 May to 8 Jun. ·Fewer in autumn . 1 on 5 Aug,, then 1-3 on 12 days from 18 Aug. to 29 Sep. \'l'ryneck (Jynx torquilla) : Singles on 10 and 2:7 Feb., 3rd and 10 Mar., then from 23 Mar. to 3 May; present on most days but only low single figures. Autumn passage 1 Sep. to 17 Nov.; more records than in spring, but again only single figures. 1 stayed at Xemxija throughout iDee.

Sand MaJ'tin (Riparia riparia) : Spring passage 5 Mar. to 2 Jun., mainly mid­Apr. to early May. Not recorded daily. Max. 770+ on 21 APr. 1 on 24 .Tul. In ::utumn, 2 Sep.-9 Nov., recorded mainly in mid-late Sep. Low double figures, max. 2010 Late birds on 25 Nov. and 1 Dec. Crag Martin (Hirundo rupestris) : Up to 1·0 at Lunzjata in .Tan. and Feb. to 15th. 1 at Ta' Qali on 30 Oct. and 1 at Wied il-Kbir on 12 Nov., then up to 5 c,.t Lunzjata from 18 Nov. till end of year. Swallow (Hirundo rustica) : Spring passage from 5 Mar. to 8 Jun.· there w.-ere only isolated days without records. Main passage in Apr. to ~id-May with a max. of 700 on some days. 2 on 22 June. and 2 on 18 Jul. A pair bred :·a a house at Mqabba in July. 4 pulli fledged successfully on 1 Aug. In autumn occasional f:rom .G Aug. then from 23 Aug. to 1 Dec. Much larger numbers than in spring with high treble figures on several days in Sep.-Oct. ned-Rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica) : 7 records on 6 days from 31 ~,1ar. to 3 May; all singles. In autumn 1 on 31 \Aug. and 2 on 27 Sep. House Martin (Delichon urbica) : 5 on 24 Feb., then on most days from 5 Mar. to 2•6 May. High double figures in most areas. On 5 days in Jun to 19th. J. on 10 Jul. and 3 on 23 Aug., then from 2 Sep. to 25 Nov. Much larger numbers than usual with treble figures on many days in Oct., max. 5·00+ ::m 22nd. Short-Toed I"ark (Calandrella c:inerea) :First on 24 Mar., th,an daily till 29 Sep. Bred in USlJ.al large numbers. Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) : 1 at Luqa on 3 Nov. Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris) : 1 at Siggiewi on 19 May. ·wood Lark (Lullula arborea) :Recorded on 7 days from 9 Oct. to 17 Nov. :vrax. 5 at Ta' Zuta on 26 Oct. Skylark (Alauda. arvensis) : Up to 20 in a few areas in Jan.-Feb., numbers

9

increasing in mid-Mar. with a max. of SO_j, on 19th., then single figures. Last ~;een on 12 Apr. 1 on 13th and 2 on 28 Sep. then from 12 Oct. with frequent passages vdth flocks over 100 till mid-Nov. Max. recorded on 27 Oct. with a 1 otai of 5000+ in 5 localities. Only single figures in Dec. Tawny Pipit (An thus campestris) : Spring passage 17 Mar. to 4 May. Max. H at Hal Far on 12 Apr., otherwise only up to 12. From 31 Aug. to 2.'5 Oct. in autumn with most records in mid-end Sep. Only single figures except for 12

at Hal Far on 20 Oct. Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) : Almost daily from 10 Mar. to 12 May. with r.1ain passage in Apr. Double figures in most places on many days with totals of 210+ on 12th and 3'50-+- on 21 Apr. highest. In autumn also daily from 31 _".ug. to 27 Oct., with stragglers till 17 :Nov., but in much smaller numbers. Only single or low double figures with 100'-~- on 16th and •60+ on 17 Sep.

highest. Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) : Very common in Jan.-Mar. with medium c,ouble figures in most places. Few, mainly singles, till 24 Apr. 1 on 11 May. Then from 12 Oct. onwards with a peak in Nov., max. 2!50-j- at Lunzjata on

12th. Red-thxoated Pipit (Anthus c€rvinus) : Spring pa«sage from 19 Mar. to 3 May. Mainly single figures but 15-25 at Hal Far on 12·-14th and 30-40 at Ta' Qali on 21-28 Apr. Smaller numbers in autumn, 12 Oct.-1 Dec., highest 6 on

20 Oct. iVaterjRock Pipit (Anthus spinoletta) : 1 (A.s. spinoletta) at Marsa on 20 Feb. and 2 (A.s. littoralis) at Xemxija on 17 Nov. Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava): Spring passage 3 Mar. to 28 May, mainly late Mar.-Apr. Double figures on several days and occasionally up to 5'00. In ;;.utumn from 17 Aug. to 7 Nov. Double figures on most days in Sep.-Oc:t. and up to 10-0 for roosting at Girgenti and Lunzjata. Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) : Up to ·8 in several places in Jan.-Mar. to 14th. Few from 14 Sep., then daily from 28 Sep. onwards. Double 11gures in mid-Oct to mid-Nov. with 100+ at Lunzjata on 29 Oct. highest. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba): Widespread in Jan.-Mar. to 24th. Usually only single figures except for fiocks going in to roost at Valletta. Singles on 7 and 17 Apr. From 14 Oct onwards in autumn with a peak in mid-Oct. to ""llid-Nov., when seen in flocks of up to 45. Up to 200 were roosting at Marsa

m Nov. Red-Backed Shrike (Lanius col!urio) Singles on 1•6th and 19 May, 5th and 11 Jun., and a pair at Buskett on 2.6 May. In autumn singles on 2!4th and 31 Aug., then 1 on most days at Buskett and Xemxija from 14th to 30 Sep. 1 on

16 Nov. Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) Spring passage 31 Mar. to 2 Jun. with most from mid-Apr. to mid-May when recorded on most days. Single tig1lres ·:vith max. totals of 11 on 28 Apr. and 13 on 12 :May. 1 (L.s. badius) on 11 May. Much smaller numbers in autumn, 15 iAUg. to 28 Sep., with 1-2 on 15

days. 1 on 1 Nov. Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) I taken at M'Scala in early Oct.

10

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) : 1 at M'Xlokk on 5 Mar. Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) : Singles on 12th and 14th. then from 19 -'~Pr. to 25 May. No large passages recorded with never mo"re than W in one piace. Singles n 19th and 22 Jul., then from 15 Aug. to 16 Oct., mainly in Sep" when recorded almost daily. Max. 3D'-+- at Lunzjata and Buskett on 16 Sep Rose-Coloured .Starling (Sturn us roseus) : 1 at M'Scala on 30 Jul. Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) :Up to 100•0 at Hal Far in Jan.-Feb.; double or iow treble figures in other places. Smaller numbers in Mar., with last sight­ing on 12 Apr. Occasional singles seen from 31 Jul., then daily from 2 Oct. onwards with a peak in mid-Oct. to mid-Nov. Treble figures (occas. up to 301);0) in many places. Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes): Singles at Salina, Xaghra, Buskett and Wied Znuber in Jan.-Mar. Last seen on 2',3rd. Singles near Mdina on 13th, at Wied il-Ballut on 24tl1 and at Buskett on 29 Dec. Alpine Accentor (Prunella ·collaris) : One shot in late October and singles at Delimara and near Siggiewi on 12 Nov. Dunnock (Prunella modularis) : Mainly single figures in Jan.- Mar. to 23rd, but up to 25 at Buskett. 1 on 5-6 Oct., then from 19 Oct. onwards with :1 peak in late Oct.-mid-Nov. Max. 40'-1- at Lunzjata on 3 Nov. Ceitti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) : Records outside Girgenti/Wied il--Luq - l-2 at Chadwick Lakes in Jan-May to 18th; male at Wied 1-Isqof in May; 3 at Xemxija in Aug-Dec.; 1 at Bahrija in Aug"-Sep.; up to 5 at Lunzjata in Sep.-Dec.; up to 4 at Rabat in Sep. and 1 at Ramla Bay in Sep.-Oct. 1 at Mtahleb in January. Savi's \Varbler (Locustella luscinioides) : 1 at Lunzjata on 24 Aug. :Woustached Warbler (Lusciniola melanopogon) : 1 at Girgenti from 23 Nov. to 31 Dec. and 2 at Salina on 25 Nov. Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) : Spring passage 3 Mar.-19 May rather small; recorded on 18 days with no clear peak. Max. 3 at Xemxija on 11 May. In autumn singles on 9 days from 7 Aug. to 20 Oct., except for 2 at Buskett on 1 Sep. Marsh Warbler ( Acrocephalus palustris) : 1 trapped and ringed at Lunzj ata on 8 Oct. Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) : Very early bird on 24 Feb., then singles on 5 days from 7 Apr. to 19 May. Autumn passage 3 Aug.-1 Nov., mainly Sep. when recorded daily. Higl1est numbers as usual at Girgenti/Wied il-Luq with max. of 20'+ on 9 Sep. and W-j- on several days. Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) : Spring passage 29 Mar.-2 Jun., mainly Apr. Only single figures with max. of 4 in suitable areas on many days. 1 on 15 Jul., then from 1 ,Aug. to 19 Nov., mainly late Aug.­early Oct. Recorded on most days, mainly at Wied il-LuqjGirgenti with max. of 6 on 4 Sep. kterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) : Only a few in spring : 1-3 on 11 days from 22 Apr. to 26 May. Larger numbers in autumn, 24 Aug. to 13 Oct., with main passage in mid-end Sep. when recorded almost daily. Max. 3 on several (iays. Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida): Male holding territory and singing

11

eontinually at Buskett on 11-18 Jul. Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) : 2 on 8 Apr., then from 20 Apr. to 6 Jun. with a peak in the first half of May, max. 15+ on5 May. From 12 Aug. to 3 Nov.; recorded almost daily with a peak in Sep., max 60+ at Buskett on 28 Sep. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) : As usual in Jan.-Mar. mainly found in areas with ivy. Max. of SOD+ at Buskett in early Mar. and WO+ at Mdina through­out. Most left in the last days of Mar. but a few migrants were noted till 15 fl.pr. Male at iEuskett on 6 Jun. Singles on 4 days from 7 to 23 Sep., then from 4 Oct. onwards reaching SO+ at Buskett in late Dec. Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) : Spring passage, 3 Apr. to 8 Jun., very S'11all. Main passage in Apr.-early May, but there were several days without records. Max. was 4 at Xemxija on 5 May. In autumn recordea on 8 days from l6 Aug_ to 19 Oct., max. 4 at Buskett on last day. l,esser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) : 1 at Wied Znuber on 16 Oct. Ruppell's Warbler (Sylvia ruppelli) : Singles at M'Xlokk on 5 Apr., at Sta. Lucia in early Apr., and at Buskett on 5 Sep. Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) : Common resident. Many j":IVeniles in May-Aug. Unusually large infiux in late Oct.-early Dec., with 1::1uch higher numbers in coastal areas. ~ubalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans) : Almost daily from 20 Mar. to 16 Apr., then singles on 24-25 Apr. Max. of 2·0-~ at Xemxija on 24-30 Mar.; up to j 0 in other localities. In autumn daily from 13 Jul. to 29 Sep., then less regular till 26 Oct. 1 stayed at Xemxija till 24 Nov. Main passage mid-Aug. to mid-Sep. with Buskett, as usual, the best area. Max_ 60+ there on several days in August. Spectacled \'Varbler (Sylvia conspicillata) : :Present in usual numbers. Highest count 30+ at Ta' Qali on 23 June. Tristram's Warbler (Sylvia deserticola) : A male was taken at Miziep, (? 8 Mar.). :See note on .page 29. Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata) : 1 at Ghadira on 9 Feb. Influx in Nov.­Dec. with 1-2 at Xemxija from 2r6 Oct. onwards, and 5 at Salina, 1 at T-Aellieha and 2 at Ghadira from 9 Nov. onwards, 1 at Ghajn Tuffieha on 15 Nov., 1 at Dingli on 20 Nov. and 2 at Bahar ic-caghaq on 1 Dec. Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) : Spring passage 11 Mar. to 11 May, mainly Apr. when recorded daily. Mainly single figures with max. of 2!0+ at Buskett on 20 Apr. In autumn recorded from 18 Aug. to 3 Nov., an unusually late date. Main passage in Sep_ to mid-Oct. Recorded on most days mostly single figures but 10-j- in some places. Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) : Very common in Jan. to mid-Mar, with high double figures in several places and up to 150 at Lunzjata. Smaller T1Umbers after mid-Mar., with last record on 11 Apr. 1 on 29 Sep., then daily from 12 Oct. onwards. Double or low treble figures from late Oct., with max. 0f 300+ at Lunzjata on 15 Dec. Bonelli's V\'arbler (Phylloscopus bonelli) : 4 records of 1-2 birds on 3 days from 30 Mar. to 5 Apr., then 3 on 1 May_ In autumn singles on 15th and 17 Sep_

12

Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) : From 30 Mar_ to 19 May in spring; recorded on most days, highest 10+ at Buskett on 27 Apr_ In autumn recorded from 18 Aug. to 20 Oct., almost daily in Sep. Low double figures on on several days from 17th to 28 Sep. with a max. of on first date_ Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) : Up to 6 in pine groves in Jan.-early Feb., then l on 13 Apr. First in autumn on 17 Oct., then in same numbers as before. Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus) Only singles recorded in Jan.-Mar. to 27th. Then from 27 Oct. onwards With a peak in early Nov. Up to 5 in severa' areas.

GoldjFirecrest (Regulus sp.) : Up to W at Buskett, 6 at Rabat and singles in several localities in Jan.-Mar. Almost daily records from 25 Oct_ onwards '.l'ith a max. of 15+ on several days. Fan-tailed Warbler (Cisticola juncidis) : ,At least 2-3 pairs bred at Ghadira 1 at Xemxija, 1 at Salina and 1 near Bahrija. In Apr.-May males held L2rritory at Ding!i, Rabat, Fiddien, Mtahleb and Wied il-Hmar. From July huds were also recorded at Mistra, San Martin, Girgenti and Lunzjata (where up to 4 were present in early Oct.). Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) : Spring passage from 24 Mar. to 12 May with a peak in mid-end Apr. Double figures during main passage with a max. total of 1210-+- at Chadwiek LakesjMtahlebjBahrija on 24 Apr. Autumn passage, 2 Sep. to 16 Nov., much smaller. Most records from mid-Sep_ to mid-Oct. with a max. of 6 at Girgenti on 14 Sep_ nollared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis : 6 records of 1-2 in spring from 7th to 2f, Apr. 1 on 29-30 Sep. Red-breasted F'ycatcher (Ficedula parva) : A very good year with 21 records of 1-2 from 6 Sep. to 23 Nov_ Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) : Singles on 9-11 Apr., then daily ilom 20 Apr. to 20 May. Double figures in late Apr. al1!d till mid-May with a max of lHO+ at Tal-Handaq on 12' May. A pair bred at Buskett; 3 young ~!edged successfully on 15 Jul. Autumn passage from 18 Aug. to 21) Oct., then 1-2 on 3 days from 10 to 17 Nov. Almost daily in Sep. but only single 11gures with a m.ax of W at Buskett on 218th. Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) : Spring passage 6 Apr.-15 May, most in mid­end Apr., with a max. of lOO+ at MtahlebjBahrija on 24th. Not more than 25 days on other days. In autumn 1-4 most days from 12 Sep. to W Oct. 1 on 16th and 2 on 24 Nov. Stoneohat (Saxicola torquata) : Up to 15 in suitable areas in Jan.-Feb., numbers reducing in Mar, with last record on 24th. From 2 O~t. in autumn with up to 40 in most areas from mid-Oct. to late Nov. Smaller numbers in Dec. Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) : On most days from 16 Mar_ to 12 May. \\-ith double figures from late Mar. to late A-pr. Max. 60+ at Hal Far on 12 Apr. First in autumn on 18 Aug. reaching double figures from 23rd and on to 2 Nov. Odd singl~s till 27 Nov. Autumn max 250+ at Mtahleb iBahrija Bingemma on 3 Sep_ Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka) : Male at il-Bidni (M'Scala) on 28 feb.

13

Bhtck-earE:d Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) Recorded on 9 days from 29 Ivlar. to 24 Apr., highest 6 on last day. Singles on g Jun. and 21 Sep. Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) : 1 at M'Scala on 31 Mar. Rufous Bush Chat (Cercotrichas galactotes) : 1 at Hal Far from 22-27th and 1 at Girgenti on 26 Apr. Singles at Zonqor Pt. and at il-Ballut on :lrd, at Sta. Lucia on 6th, at M'Xlokk on 7th, and at Ghallis on 14 May. 3 others were taken in late April. Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis): Only 5 records in spring, 18 Mar. to 19 Apr.; at singles. In autumn 1 on 16th ancl 17 Sep. Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) : Present in usual numbers Good numbers at Sarrafiu, Gozo where 20+ counted on 24 Mar. Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochrurus) : 1-4 in many areas in Jan.-Mar. till 24th. 1 on 14 Oct., then from 2 Nov. onwards with a peak in Nov. Max. 9 3t Marfa Ridge on 18th. Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) :Spring passage, 17 Mar. to 19 May (mainly mid-Apr. to early May), smaller than usual; only single figures. Late bird on 6 Jun. Autumn passage, 2 Sep. to 9 Nov., much heavier. Recorded almost daily with up to 4U at Buskett in :tate Sep. and Oct. lVIoussier's Redstart (Phoenicurus moussieri) : Small influx in March: cl at Delimara on 5th, 2 at Miziep on 8th and l at Siggiewi on 18th. All males. Robin (Erithacus rubecula) : Common in Jan.-Mar; double figures in most :uea. Larger numbers in early Mar., with max. of 25'0+ at Buskett on 9th. Few singles in Apr. to 21st. 1 on 11 May and 1 on ~!3 Jun. 1 at Buskett in .::-nl.-Aug. First in autumn on 11 Sep then daily from 19th. Main passage mid-Oct. to mid-Nov. with max of 5'0'0+ at Buskett on 17 Nov. ~ightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) : Daily 18 Mar. to 28 Apr., then few till 9 May. Up to 15 in many areas in end Mar.-Apr, In autumn, 1 on 8th, then from 20 Aug. to 27 Oct., most in Sep. Larger numbers than in spring with a max. of 40+ at Buskett on 4 Sep. Eluethroat (Luscinia svecica) : 1 at Delimara on 31 Mar. Singles at Xemxija on lOth. at Buskett on 16th and at M'Xlokk on ::'5 Oct. 1 at Ghadira from ~5 Nov. onwards. !-ieldfare (Turdus pilaris) 1-2 at Xaghra and up to 10 at Mgarr ix-Xini in mid-end Jan. Singles on 2nd and 2;5 Feb. On 5 days from 23 Nov. to 26 Dec., highest 4 on last day. Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) : Singles on 4 days from 15 Oct. to 21 Nov. Blackbird (Turdus merula) : 1-5 in several areas :in Jan.-Mar. to 14th but 10 at Buskett on 15 Jan. Then from 16 Oct. onwards; several more records 'Jut in same numbers. Hedwing (Turdus iliacus) : Few in Jan.- Mar. to 19th, max. 5 at Buskett on 2 Mar. Then from 2 Nov. onwards, again in small numbers of 1-5. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) : Single figures in Jan.-Feb. Larger numbers in mid-Mar. with a max. of 13~5+ in 4 areas. Late birds on 9th and ~1 Apr. Occasional singles from 24 Sep., then daily from 11 Oct. onwards. Several large passages (max. 80'0) from HJ Oct. to early Nov. Only single figures or up to 12 in Dec .. 1\'Iistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) Singles on 26 Oct. and 1 Nov.

14

)

'\

{ ..

Great Tit (Parus major) : Single at Kordin in early Nov. Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) : 1 ad. (trapped and ringed) on 30 Nov. ;:;.nd 2 on 1 Dec. Both records at Lunzjata. Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) : Abundant as usual, Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) : Breeding in several places but as ustlal, in small numbers. Slightly larger numbers from Oct. Chaffinch (Fringilla ·coelebs) : Common in Jan.-Mar. with max. of 50+ at Chadwick Lakes on 19 Mar. Few in Apr. and till 3 May. Up to 15 were present at Buskett from mid-Jun. and at least 1 pair bred: 3 juveniles were seen on 15 Jul. Occasional singles were also recorded outside this place. Main autumn ;Jassage from 19 Oct. with up to 100 on several days, Smaller numbers in Dec. Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) : Recorded on 4 days in Oct. : 1 on 36th, 5 on 24th and singles on 26th and 31st. Serin (Serinus serinus) : Single or very low double figures in Jan.-Mar. to 30th. A pair at Buskett in late Apr. pro.bably bred. Odd birds seen in other <ireas in May-Aug. From 260ct. in autumn, numbers increasing after mid­r-;ov. with up to 25 in many areas. Greenfineh (Carduelis chloris) : Single figures in many places in Jan.-Feb., ,·ecords increasing greatly in mid-end Mar. Occasional records of 1-2 in Apr.-Sep., then from 24 Oct. onwards, with max of WO+ at Lunzjata on 1st tlate. Siskin (Carduelis spinus) : 1 at Buskett on 31 Aug. Autumn passage 15 Oct. to 10 Nov.; high double figures recorded on most days, max 8D+ at Lunzjata on 2'6 Oct. Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) : 1-2 on 3rd and 27 Jan., 24-26 Mar., 7th and 13 Apr. Autumn passage 24 Oct. to 20 Nov., recorded on most days with 'nax. of 23-t- on 2 Nov. Unnet (Acanthis cannabina) : Double figures in most places in Jan. to mid­.'\..pr., but up to 150 in mid-end Mar. Few in several places in May-Sep. probably bred. Fledged young were seen at Xaghra on 1 {) Apr, From 17 Oct. onwards in autumn with treble figures (max. 2,00) on many days in late Oct. to mid-Nov. Trumpeter Bullfinch (Rhodopechys githaginea) : 1 at Kalkara on 5 Mar. il.nd 1 trapped at Delimara in Apr. Scarlet Rosefineh (Cardopacus erythrinus) : 1 at Lunz,jata on 28 Sep. Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) : 1 Male at Girgenti on 2 Nov. Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) : Singles on 12th, 14th and 23 Mar. In autumn recorded from 19 Oct. to 17 Nov., with most in Oct. Max. of 250+ in Gozo on 26 Oct., otherwise up to 30. 1 on 14 [)ec. Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) : Common, breeding in usual numbers . Flocks of up to 35 common in Aug.-Sep. Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) : Recorded only in spring from 23 Mar. to 7 Apr. Max 10+ at Xaghra during the first days of Apr. Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) : 1 at Zurrieq on 11 Nov. Reed Bunting (Ernberiza schoeniclus) : Recorded from 26 Oct. to 27 Nov.: l-4 at Lunzjata. 1-2 at Salina and singles at Ghadira and Xemxija.

15

SPECIES RINGEn & TOTALS Spotted Flycatcher 38 233 Song Thrush 42 229 Whinchat 18 132 Penduline Tit 1 2

Total Grand Total Grand Stonechat 64 228 Spanish Sparrow 384 3,005 1974 Total 1974 Total Wheatear 3 60 Tree Sparrow 15 44

Cory's Snearwater 81 335 Meadow Pipit 18 154 Manx Shearwater 6 77 Red-throated Pipit 2 Storm Petrel 351 6234 Yellow Wagtail 203 799 Little Bittern - 10 Grey Wagtail :zg 239 Kestrel 4 White Wagtail 13 132 Quail 3 Red-backed Shrike 5 36 Water Rail 4 10 Woodchat Shrike 7 55

Black-eared Wheatear 1 Chaffinch 24 118 Isabelline Wheatear 1 Serin 5 80 Rock Thrush - 1 Greenfinch 10 250 Blue RockThrush 5 30 Sisldn 1 1 Black Redstart 1 13 Gold:finch Redstart 110 739 Linnet 84 325 Robin 850 5,321 Scarlet Rosefinch 1 1

Spotted Crake - 5 Golden Oriole ,_, 33 I Thrush Nightingale l Corn Bunting 1 38

Little Crake 4 Starling 8 15 Nightingale 65 470 Y ellowhammer - 1 Moorhen 2 13 Wren 1 14 Bluethroat 2 24 Ortolan Bunting - 2 Ringed Plover 4 Dunnock 52 225 Ring Ouzel 3 Rustic Bunting 1 Little Ringed Plover 27 Cetti's Warbler 22 73 Blackbird 2·0 69 Reed Bunting 4 6 Lapwing 1 1 Savi's Warbler 1 11 Red win!~ 1 6 Little Stint 2 100 River ,warbler - 1 Temminck's Stint 1 8 Grasshopper Warbler - 2 Total Ringed in 1974: 8,131 D11nlin 6 Moustached Warbler 1 26 Curlew Sandpiper 10 Sedge Warbler 21 267 Ruff 12 Marsh Warbler 1 3

Grand Total Ringed (as on 3ljl2jl974) 44,467.

Green Sandpiper 8 Reed Warbler 52 283 Wood Sandpiper - 43 Great Reed Warbler 44 317 Common Sandpiper - 11 Icterine Warbler 15 203 Snipe - 6 Olivaceous Warbler - 1 Great Snipe - 1 Orphean Warbler - 1 Jack Snipe - 1 Barred Warbler - 1 Mediterranean Gull 1 1 Garden Warbler 229 2,008 Herring Gull 9 Blackcap 247 1,144 Turtle [)ove 3 17 Whitethroat 23 634 Cuckoo 2 7 Lesser Whitethroat 1 10 Scops Owl 9 44 Ruppell's Warbler 1 Nightjar 2 7 Sardinian ,Warbler 338 1,505 Swift 1 2 Spectacled Warbler 2:0 208 Kingfisher 2 23 Subalpine Warbler 247 1,077 Hoopoe 6 Dartford 'Warbler 3 16 Wryneck 23 107 Willow Warbler 126 641 Sand Martin 1,016 2,220 Chiffchaff 1,363 4,991 Swallow 1,003 4,313 Bonelli's Warbler 3 29 Red-rumped Swallow 2 15 Wood Warbler 60 572 House Martin 498 1,638 Gold crest 3 28 Short-toed Lark 30 63 Firecrest 14 89 Wood Lark 1 1 Fan-tailed Warbler 17 27

Sardinian \'X'arbla, Spectacled ~'•~rh!cr and Suba1pine \'1~/arbler (line drawing by R. Ingram)

Skylark 11 16 Pied Flycatcher 43 367 Tawny Pipit 5 Collared Flycatcher 2 43 Tree Pipit 67 292 Red-breasted Flycatcher 3 14

16 17

"

RINGING RECOVERIES

This section of the report deals with both recoveries of .birds ringed in Malta with British Trust for Ornithology rings and recoveries in the Maltese Islands of birds ringed abroad: Of t:he locally ringed birds only those re­covered at least 5 km. away from the ringing site are included. Some of the birds listed, both locally and foreign ringed, were recovered previou's to 1974 1Jut came to our notice during this year. For local recoveries the distance covered is given together with the direction; both distance and direction are :Jpproximate.

Key to symbols and tenns used. in the recovery list Arrangement of entry : recoveries are arranged by species, and within the

species usually by date of recovery. Ringing details are gi"17en on the first line and recovery data on the second.

Ring number :where this is followed by an asterisk (*) the ring has been returned.

Age Code : 1 - pullus; young bird ringed in the nest. 2- fully grown; year of hatcl).ing quite un)mowr,. 3 -definitely hatched during current calendar year. 4- hatched before current calendar year; exact

year unknown. 5 - definitely hatched during last calendar year. 6 - natched before last calendar year; exact year

unknown. Sex : M- Male

Manner of Recovery

Date of Recovery

F- Female = -Sexed on :recovery or .control.

: v - Caught or trapped, and released with ring. + -shot or killed by man. x- found dead or dying. () - caught or trapped alive and not released, or

released but with ring removed. /? 1- manner of recovery unknown.

: Where this is unknown tb,e date of the reporting letter is given instead and is shown in brackets. An 0 0 in the date indicates that the exact day or month-are unknown.

Abbreviations used for foreign ringing sc:Qemes

18

B. - Budapest Museum. Bol. - Bologna University. C. - Copenhagen Mu§eum. GD. - Gdansk. H. - Vogelwarte Helgoland.

Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) 214.8633 4 16.08.74

() (21.08.74)

Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo) c. 3 03:06.73 2633 + autumn 74

':'Hght Heron (Nycti:corax nycticorax) z. 1 01.08.65 c 223.708

+ 20.10.6{)

z. 1 30.05.65 C223.9-56 + 22.04.6$

z. 1 22.05.66 C224.545 () (13.10.66)

z 1 10.06.66 C226.454 + 20.10.66

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) z. 1 08.06.68 C228.256

+ 29.03.74

Hki - Helsinki Museum. P. - C.R.M.M.O., Paris Pha. - Praha Museum. R. - Vogelwarte Radolfzell. Sem. - Vogelwarte Sempach. St. - Stockholm Museum. Z. - Zagreb University.

Filfla. nr Zabbar (17 km NE).

vorso, Harsens Fjord: 5·5·· 52'N, lD"•01'E (Jutland), Denmark. Mgarr, Gozo: 36"nl'N, 14"18'E.

Carska bara: 45"2•0':N, 20°26'E (Vojvodina) Yugoslavia. Rabat: 35"53'N, 14"23'E.

ibidem. ·zabbar: 35"53'N, 14"32'E.

ibidem. M'8cala: 35"52'N, 14"34'E.

ibidem Rabat: 35"53'N, 14"23'E.

Ludas Lake, Subotica: 46"04'N, 19"38'E (Vojvodina) Yugoslavia. Delimara: 35"49'N, 14"33'E.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Hki. 1 05.07.68 Turun Ja Porin .. (Laani) Finland. M-4143 + 05.09.74 Girgenti: 35"·51'N, 14"2·5'E.

(ringing ·Co-ordinates not given to to protect nest-site).

Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) H. 1 07.07 .. 64 457.261

end 03;73

19

8 km SW Sarzbuttel: 54"07'N, 09"12'E (Schleswig Holstein), W. Germany.

Zabbar: 35"53'N, 14'32"E.

Ho•hby (F'a:co sub buteo J P. 4M CA4584

24.04.65 El Haouaria: 37"05'N, 11 "02'E (Cap Bon), Tunisia.

+ 09.04.66 Marsa: 35"54'N, 14'32"E.

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) P 6M FD8177

--+-

P. 4F GT82·07 +

07.04.63

20.03.64

27.04.63 26.10.64

El Haouaria: 37"05'N, 11"02'E (Ca.p Bon), Tunisia. Birkirkara: 35"53'N, 14"27'E.

ibidem Birkirkara: 35"53'N, 14"27'E.

Pha. E231.652

3 14.06. 71 Horni Kalna: 50"34'N, 15"37'E. (Trutnov) Czechoslovakia.

v=M 23.04.73 Mosta: 35"5•5'N, 14"25'E.

kcdnhank (Tringa totanus) p_ 3 GB66.343 _ + 22.07.72

26.07.72

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) C. 1 05.0·6.74 409.flll

+ 29.11.74

Blacl,-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) B. 1 10.06.63 143.897

+ 10.12.63

GD. 1 11. 06.74 F'A 10.511

+ 05.11.74

(Hydroprogne tschegrava)

Rades: 36"52.'N, 10"18'E, Tunisia. Salina: 35"57'N, 14'25'E.

Nyord, Mon. 55"03'N, 12"13'E (Zealand) Denmark. Ghallis: 35"57'N, 14"2'7'E.

Szeged F'eherto: 4·6"20'N, 20"05'E. Hungary. Salina: 35"57'N, 14"25'E.

Bielawka, Swenoujscie: 53"51'N, 14"20'E, Poland. Birzebbuga: 35"50'N, 14"31'E.

Caspian Tern Hki H-104.221

1 30.06.72 Bjorkoby, Vaasan: 63"25'N (Laani) Finland.

21"05'E,

St. 7.05'7.453

St. 7.015.878

+ 28.10.73 Marfa: 35"58'N, 14"23'E

1

+ 1

16.06.74

09.10.74

06.07.64

20.10.74

20

Tradskarskobben, Svartlogafjard: 59"34'N, 18"58'E, (Uppland), Sweden. Marsascala: 35"52'N, 14"34'E.

Fagelsundet, Hallnas: 60"36'N. 17"56'E, (Uppland), Sweden. Luqa: 35"52'N, 14"30'E.

Hki. 1 06.07.74 L

CT-4190 20.10.74

St. 1 15.06.74 7.053.527

I 05.11.'74 ·-r

Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) Pha. 1 07.06.'72 H 39.280

X

Ph a. H 35.723

()

Bol. 2 T 3.321

+ Scops Owl (Otus scops) p 4 GS 6347

+ p 4 G A 55.543 ()

P. 4 FS 8191 I

I

Swift (Apus apus) R 4 HA 58.880

+

24.04.74

01.07.72

20.04.74

03.05.73

autumn 74

O·t04.65

30.09.65

2'1.03.66 Hi.l0.66

04.05.66 14.10.66

23.05.68

30.04.74

~kylark (Alauda arvensis) BR 79.668 2

+ 27.10.74 2'].10.74

Sand Martin (Rip aria rip aria) JV 15.489 ' 4 21.04.74

JV 15.160

+ 22.04.74

4 ?I

28.04. 7-4 01.05.74

21

Ah venanmaan: 60 40'N, 20'56'E, (Laani), Finland. Luqa: 35"52"N, 14'30'E.

Kallskaren, Oxelosund: 58"34'N, 17"ll'E, (Sodermanland), Sweden. Salina: 35"57'N, 14"25'E.

Sudumer: 49"15'N, 14"03'E, (Pisek), Czechoslovakia. Kalafrana: 39"50'N, 14 "32'E

Cf\meliste: 49"54'N, 15"03'E, (Kutna Hora) Czechoslovakia. Zejtun: 35"5l'N, 14"33'E.

Fiume Entella Chiavari: 08"19'E (Genoa) Italy. Malta.

44"20'N,

El Haouaria: 37"05'N, 11"02'E (Cap Bon), Tunisia. tBirzebbuga: 35"50'N, 14"3l'E.

ibidem. Dingli: 35"52'N, H"22'E.

ibidem. Rabat: 35"53'N, 14"23'E.

Roxheim: 49"35'N, 08"22'E, Kr. Franken thai, (Pfalz), W. Germany. San Lawrenz: 36"04'N, 14"12'E.

Hal Far. Zebbug (9 km WNW), (Malta).

Lunzjata Valley. (Gozo). Zebbug (26 km SE). (Malta).

Targa Gap. Qawra Pt. (5 km NNW).

JB 57.030 4

v

Swallow (Hirundo rustica) JX 03.052 4

X

JV 15.914 4F X

JV 15.912 4F ()

JX 03.216 4F ()

JV 63.568 4F v (roost)

JX 03.136 4M v (roost)

Sem. 2

A 260.436 v=3

20.07.73

28.04.74

10.04.74 18.D4.74

14.04.74 ca 20.04.74

14.04.74 25.04.74

15.04.74 ( 12.05.74)

18.04.74 22.08.74

14.04.74 26.09. 74

24.10.74

01.11.74

House Martin (Delichon urbica) 162.569 * 4 22.04.73

X 05.0'7.74

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) P. 6 M 02.04.73 998.122

() 00.04.'74

Hki. 3 17 .08.'73 J-73663

() 05.05.74

22

Mourue Abbey, Ma:Uow: 52' 05 N, 08"39'E:, (Cork) Ireland. Lunzjata Valley: 36"03'N, 14"14'E.

Ramla Valley: 36"03'N, 14"17'E. Cerignola: 41"18'N, 15"54'E, (Fog­gia), Jitaly.

Lunzjata Valley. Balzan (25 km SE).

ibidem. Luqa (80 km SE).

ibidem. El Adjiba: 36'20'N, 04"09'E:. (Alger), Algeria.

ibidem. Grimsbury Reservoir, Banbury: 52"05'N, 01"20'W. (Oxon) England.

ibidem. Brough 53"44'N, {)"38'W (York­shire) England.

Luz2rn: 47"D3'N, rel2ased Lavorgo: Switzerland.

Lunzjata Valley.

Lunzjata Valley.

08"18'E and 46"26'N, 08 '50' E.

Brock op Langedij\[: 52"40'N, 04"48'E, (Noord Holland), Nether­lands.

Ile de Keinbe. ·04"28'N, 12"48'E, Cen­tral African Republic. Santa Lucia: 35",52'N, 14"31'E.

Dragsfjard: 59"52'N, 22" 12'E, Turun Ja Porin (Laani), Finland. Burmarrad: 35'56'N, 14":~5'E.

JS 64.877 ( ) 4 26.01.74

() 12.10.74

,\-hite Wagtail (Motacilla alba) B. 2 0'8.09.74 188.281

() 21.11.74

Golden Oriole (Oriolous oriolus) Pha. K 281.119 2M 16.07.71

+ 19.04.73

:'Harling (Sturnus vulgaris) P. 2 21.12.73 . GD 14.475

+ . 01.11.74

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

JR 59.796 4 X

02 . .03.74 14.10.74

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) J!P •09.HJ9 2 30o09.73

+ 06.{)9.74

Blackeap (Sylvia atricapilla) J1ic 59.303 2M

v

Bol. 2 L 337.577

v=M (Ring KA34.2'90 added)

25.11.73 21.03.74

18.09.74

10.12.74

Vom, nr, Jos: 09"44'N, 08"48'E, (Benus Plateau), Nigeria. Kirkop: 35"5l'N, 14"29'E.

Kisorozzi: 47"48'N ,19"00'E. Hun­

gary, Ta' Bulebel: 35"52'N, 14"32'E.

Piestany: 48"36'N, 17"49'E, (Trna­va), Czechoslovakia. Xagnra: 36"03'N, 14"16'E (Gozo).

Haffouz: 35"40', 0'9"40'E, Kairouan, Tunisia . Tarxien: 35"52'N 14"3l'E

Buskett: 35"51'N, 14"26'tE. Radlje: 45"37'N, 15"14'E, (Sloveni­ja), Yugoslavia.

Wied il-Luq, Buskett. Melito: 40"55'N, 14"14'E (Napoli), Italy.

Salina. Mdina (7 km S).

Montello, Montebelluno: 45"32'N, 10"13'E, Italy. Lunzjata Valley.

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) R 4 09.08.71 Tittmoning: 48"D4'N, 12"45'E, Kr. E}>90.826 Laufen (Oberbayern), W. Germany.

Chiffehaff '765.362

v 25.03.74 Dingli: 35"52'N, 14"23'E.

(Phylloscopus collybita) 2 16.11.74 v 01.12.74

& {)8.12.74 23

Salina.

Lunzjata Valley (17 km. NW).

Fan-tailed Warbler (Cisticola juncidis) 764.669 2 14.10.73

+ 03.05. 74

Hobin (Erithacus rubecula) JP09.517 4 25.10.73

/?/ 01.03.74

JV 15.209 2 20.10.74 X 28.10.74

JX 6•0.097 4 19.10.74 x (cat) 03.11.74

JX 60.398 3 03.11.74 ( ) (09.11.74)

Blackbird (Turdus merula) CP 66.937 2F 23.10. 72

+ 00.10. 7 2

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) CP 66.932 * 2 17.HJ.72,

+ 01.01.74

CP 73.744 4 27.10.73 X 26.02.74

CP 66.998 2 09.11.74

+ 10.11.74

Xemxija, St. Paul's Bay: 14'23'E. Girgenti (11 km .. S.).

Xemxija, St. Paul's Bay.

35"57'N,

Haffouz: 35"38'N, 09"39'E (Kairou­an), Tunisia.

Salina. St. Julian's ( 6 km. ESE).

Xemxiia. nr. Buskett (8 km. SE).

Lunzjata Valley. Naxxar (23 km. SE).

Wied Znuber, Hal Far: 35"49'N, 14"31'E. Girgenti (10 km. WNW).

Wied Znuber, Hal Far. Cassano delle Murge: 40"53'N, 16"46'E, (Bari), Italy.

Xemxija, Kalamai: 37"02'N, 22"07'E (Pelopon­n'sos) Greece.

Ghadira. San Martin (5 km. SE).

§panish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) BJ 55.570 4 M 01.05.73 Xemxija, St. Paul's Bay.

() end 02.74 Paola (12 km. SE).

BJ 55.325 41\1 ()

Serin (Serinus serinus) JK 32.017 4 F

v

10.05.72 (01.04.74)

01.04.73 07.04.74

24

Wied Znuber, Hal Far. Paola (6 km. N).

Hal Far Santa Vennera (9 km. NW).

Pha 3M 01.10.72 s 10.219 *

() 10.01.73

Ph a 3M 21.09.72 N 151.582

() ca 15,03.73

Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) BJ 18.966 ' 5F 2:4.03.70

+ 03.10.73

z 4M 01.11.69 A 379.983

() 31.10.70

H 2M 22.10.68 80460.3'11

() 00.00068

Linnet (Acanthis cannabina) Lituania 2F 17.08.72 76.544

() 29003.73

JV 15.628 2F 27.10.74 () 31.10074

JV 15.638 * 2F 2'U0.74 () 02011.74

JX 59.665 2F 28.10.74 () ca06.11.74

JX 59.664 2F 28 10.74 () (23.11.74)

B 2 09.08.74 189.743

()=M 02.11.74

Bol. 2 24.11.73 L 356 ']89

()=F 04.11.74

25

Praha: 50"02'N, 14"25'E (Branik) Czeckoslovakia. Birzebbuga: 35"49'N, 14"31'E.

Rohovladova Bela: 50"0Ei'N, 15"36'E, Pardubice), Czeckoslovakia. IBahrija: 35"53'N, 14"21'E.

Lunzjata Valley: 36"03'N, 14"14'E. Monteprandone: 42"53'N, 13"50'E, (Ascoli Piceno), Italy.

Dicmo (Sinj): 43"42'N, 16"38'E, (Hrvatska) Yugoslavia. Munxar, Gozo 36"0l'N, 14"13'E.

Essen-Bredeney: 51"26'N 0.6'5WE, (Dusseldorf), W. Germany. Malta.

Kamias: 54"53'N, 23"55'E, Lithuania, USSR. Mellieha: 35"58'N, 14"21'E

Hal Far. Mtahleb (16 km. WNW).

ibidem. Bir kir kara ( 11 km NW) .

Lunzjata Valley. Mosta (22 km. SE).

ibidemo Gudja (32 km SE).

Budapest: 47"29'N, 19"03'E, Hun­g-ary. Qormi: 35"53'N, 14"27'E.

Castellano: 43"16'N, 13"45'E (P.S. Elpidio), Italy. Dingli: 35"52'N, 14"25'E.

ADDENDA TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIJST FOR 1971

Shag (Phalacrocorax artistotelis): 1 at Ghar Lapsi on 13 March and 1 on Filfla on 13 June. Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) : 1 on 2 October. Caspian Plover (Charadrius asiaUcus) : 3 at Birzebbuga on 17 March. Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) · 1 at Salina on 9 July. Rock Sparrow (iPetronia petronia) : 2 at Ta' Gene on 30 January.

ADDENDA TO TIHE SYSTIEIJ\>MTIC LIST FUR 1972

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) : 1 on 26 November. Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) : 1 at Salina on 9 July (same date and locality as the year before) and another at Salina on 13 July. Woo,dchalt Shrike (Lanius senator badhls) : 1 (Corsican race) at Ghadira on 5 June.

A\DID'ENIDA TO THE SYS'J;'E~TIC U1ST FOR 1973 Gannet ( Sula Passana) : 1 at Marsaxlokk on W March. Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) : 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 3 August. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) : 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 20 October. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) : 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 14 May. Buzzard (Buteo buteo) : 1 at Bahrija on 30 October. Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) : singles at Zejtun on 1 September and at Marsascala on 8 September. Merlin (Falco columbarius) : Male at Salina on 28 October.

. Coot (Fulica atra) : 1 at Marsascala on 29 and 3·0' October. Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) : 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 30 August. Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) : 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 20 August. Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) : Singles at Zonqor Pt. on 4 and 29 May. Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) : Singles at Zonqor Pt. on 1 April and 3 May. ))unlin (Calidris alpina) : Singles at Zonqor Pt. on 4 and 7 August. Sanderling ( Calidris alba)) : Singles at Zoriqor Pt. on 22 and 24 May. Redshank (Tringa totanus) : 1 at Salina on 15 April and at Marsascala on 12 July. Great Snipe (Gallinago media) : 1 at Il-Gzira (M'Scala) on 12 March. Great Skua (Stercorarius skua) : 2 about 2! km. off Delimara Pt. on 20 October. Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus) : 1 off Marsascala on 25 Nov. White-Winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) : Singles at Zonqor Pt. on 4 August and 8 September. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne tschegrava) : 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 2!8 October. Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) : 1 at Marsascala on 12 November. Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) : 1 at Zonqor Pt. on 8 October. Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) : 1 at Salina on 10 October. (The above 3 addendas have been compiled from records contributed by S. Borg, G. Faure, c. Galea, B & R. Grenfell, J. Pulis and A. Vassallo).

26

ERRATA

H-Merill No. 5, August 1971. Page 15: the entry under Grag Martin (Hirundo rupestris) · (1st record since 1873)" should read " (1st record since 1929)).

ll-Merill No. 8, August 1972. Page 9: the entry under Knot (Calidris eanutus). ;!1 at Ghadira" should read "1 at.Salina".

ll-Merill No. 10, April 1973. Page 10 : "Another addition to the Breeding Species of Malta" ( 3rd para. 1st line) : "Last year ( 1973)" should read "Last year ( 1972.) ·•.

ll-Merill No. 13, Jan-Jun 1974. "Unpublished Rare Occurrences Before 31st December 1971" compiled by J. Vella Gaffiero and S. Borg. Page 14.16. Common Seater : 1 at Salina on 2 November 194-8'' should read "1 at Salina

on 8 November 1948". Pin-tailed Sandgrouse : "1 on Gozo on 15 May 1931" should read "1 on Gozo

on 15 May 1939". Rook : "1 at il-Qadi on 25 April 1942" should read "1 at 1-Ahrax on 20

September 1946". Snow !Bunting : "One in Malta in December 1955". This record should be

deleted altogeth,er. The above 4 erroneous records were transmitted in the original script. The following record "Lanner : 1 at Benghisa in April1948" should be added

to this contribution .

NOTABLE UNP!UiBUSHElD OOClJiRRENOES PltEVWUS TO 1971

In the course of preparing the script for the M.O.S. publication "A Guide To The Birds Of Malta" a number of previously unpublished records came to light and appeared in that publication. These records were contributed by various members as listed hereunder. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) : 1 at Qormi in January 1964. Great White Heron (Egretta alba) : 1 at Kalkara in December 1966. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) : 1 at Salina on 26 October 1965. Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) : i in December 19·60. Lesser .Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) : 1 at Hal Far on 15 October 19,62 Saker (Falco cherrug) : Singles at Sig:giewi on 18 November 1968 and at Mosta on December 1968. Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) : 1 at Hal Far on 5 January 1964. Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus) : 1 offshore on 2 February 1968. Short-toed Lark (Calandrella cinerea) : 1 in January 1965. Bar-tailed Desert Lark (Ammomanes cincturus) : 1 at Birzebbuga on 11

April 1959. Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) : 1 at Gudja on 15 November 1965.

27

lsabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) : 1 at Salina on 13 April 1969. Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) : 1 at Partes des iBombes on 11 November 1953.

S. Borg

Hean Goose (Anser fabalis) : 13 at Zabbar on 27 January 19B8. Gadwall (Anas strepera) : 4 at Marsascala on 11 November 1965. Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostr's) : 1 at Marsascala on 17 October 1968

J. Pulis

Upland Plover (Bartramia longicauda) : De Lucca reported 1 shot near Zebbug in September 1966 (d\. Revised Check-list of the Birds of the Maltese 1slands -- 1969). The day was 28tl1. Ruppell's Warbler (Sylvia ruppelli) : 1 in early March 1965.

V. Sammut

Red Kite (Milvus milvus) : 1 at Xagiua on 28 September 1959. Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) : 1 at Tal-Handaq in late September 1965. This Iecord was twice •)rroneously reported (see A Guide To The Birds Of Malta page 107).

Siskin (Caruelis spinus) : large influxes occurred on several dates in autumn 1959.

Scarlet Rosefinch (Caropacus erytl~rinus) : 1 at Zebbug, Gozo, in autumn about 1967 (seen in captivity some years later). Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) : a small irruption in September 1963, 50-+­were trapped near Rabat.

J. Sultana & C. Ganci

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) : 1 at Marsaxlokk in March 19-66. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne tschegrava) : 1 in iDecember 1966. Bar-tailed Desert Lark (Ammomanes cincturus) : 1 at Delimara on 24 February 1966.

Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris) : 1 at Delimara in November 1966. Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) : 1 at Zejtun on 28 1April 1964. Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) : 2 at Delimara on 27 November 1965.

A.Vassallo

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) Singles in Gozo on 8 October 1959 and on 6 October 1961. Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) 1 in Gozo in March 1961 Puffin (Fratercula arctica) : 1 in Gozo in November 1933. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops superciliosus) : 1 in Gozo in May 1958. Temminck's Horned Lark (Eremophila bilopha) : Singles in Gozo in 1959 and 1962.

Crossbill (l,oxia curvirostra) : 1 on 2 October 1959. Snow Bunting- (Plectrophenax nivalis) : 1 on 3 December 1959.

V. Vella Muskat

23

THE 1'974 OCCURRENCE OF THE TRISTRAM'S WARBI"ER

1n IL-MERILL (no. 15 for Jan.-June 1975) we reported the occurrence of the Tristram's Warbler (Sylvia deserticola) in Malta on 8th March 1974. However in an attached slip to the same issue, we pointed out "that the date of occurr­ence of the Tri.stram's Warbler has proved uncertain beyond the fact that it -.vas in 1974". \'Ve promised a fuller presentation of available facts in a iuture issue of LL-MERILL.

The facts, as far as we could ascertain, are as follows: During a visit to Mr. George Faure's residence at Luqa, Malta in May

1975 we came across the specimen in question, stuffed and mounted. "We cluly informed the owner that it was the first record of that species for Malta and E1lrope. Mr. Faure told us that it was taken on the 8th Mareh 1974 'l.nd showed us a Moussier's Redstart, one of two which were also taken on :]1e same date.

We visited Mr. Faure a second time in order to photograph the speci­mens and to take measurements of the Tristram's Warbler, all of which appeared in IL-MERILL No. 15.

Some days later Mr. Faure sold some mounted birds to the Museum of Natural History including the Tristram's Warbler in question. On 21st June 1975, a short article, signed by Mr. J. Vella Gaffiero, appeared in the daily clewspapers "Malta News" and "L-Orizzont" stating that "a small collection of mounted birds recently acquired by the National Museum of Natural His­tory at l\1dina from Mr. George Faure included a specimen of the Tristram's Warbler (Sylvia desterticola) taken by JVfr. Faure himself on 8th July 1974'.

On noting the different date, we contacted Mr. Faure again on 23rd June 1975; he stressed the fact that the Tristram's Warbler was taken on the same day as the Moussier's Redstarts -- that Is on 8th March 1974 and not in the following July. So duly a letter was sent to the Editor of "L-Orizzont'• in July 1975 to correct the date given apparently in error by Mr. J. Vella Gaffiero.

We were subsequently informed by Mr. Faure that he had wrongly communicated the 8th March 1974 date to us. Since we ll.ad taken scrupul­ous precautions in ascertaining this particular information, the change of dates appeared altogether baffling. Consequently, in an attempt to clear the issue, we conta,~ted Mr. Vella Gaffiero, and we agreed that it would be better to simply consider the Tristram's Warbler as having been taken in 1974.

The fact that Mr. Faure had informed us that the Tristram's Warbler and the Moussier's Redstarts were taken on the same day, coupled with the rtdditional information that at least 6 Moussier's Redstarts occurred in March 1974 as well, tend to streng·hten the argument for the March date when due to unusual meteorological conditions very plausibly a movement r f North African species overshot their breeding areas.

J. Sultana & C. Gauci.